Developed as a replacement for Waverly Park, The Telstra Dome is another example of stunning architecture combined with state-of-the art- facilities.
Opened in 2000, the Telstra Dome has the largest capacity of any of the stadiums to be used for the World Cup, with an impressive 56,347 seats. The venue was primordially built for Aussie Rules Football and so has an oval pitch. To make the venue more efficient, it features movable seating and so tiers can be brought up to 18 metres forward in order to convert the pitch into a rectangular one.
The name of the Telstra Dome has changed since it was completed, from Colonial Stadium to the current Telstra Dome however in known colloquially as the Phone Dome, due to the nature of its sponsor.
Telstra Dome is at the forefront of modern stadiums in terms of facilities, with a roof which can be fully opened or closed in 8 minutes and, even when left open, is designed to shelter 98% of the seats from rain. Despite its modern facilities, the pitch has been widely criticised for being to hard and lacking grass coverage. To combat the issue, it was revealed that talks were underway to purchase a heating and lighting system to aid grass growth.
Only one game will be played at the stadium, with Australia taking on England.